MS Senate Approves Permitless Carry Expansion

Despite months of misleading attacks by New York gun control advocate and billionaire Michael Bloomberg and his anti-gun state groups, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action, the Mississippi Senate overwhelmingly approved NRA-backed House Bill 786 today by a 36-14 vote. Thank you to those NRA members and Second Amendment supporters who contacted their elected officials in support of HB 786 throughout the legislative process!

House Bill 786 accomplishes the following:

Expands current permitless carry options to include belt and shoulder holsters. (Legislation passed in 2015 authorized Mississippians who are eligible to possess a firearm under state and federal law to carry a pistol or revolver without a license in purses, handbags, satchels, other similar bags or briefcases or fully enclosed cases)

Allows church authorities to develop security programs that designate enhanced carry permit holders or those with military or law enforcement backgrounds to protect places of worship and receive the benefits of existing protections under the state’s “Castle Doctrine” law

Prohibits state or local enforcement of federal executive orders or agency regulations not approved by Congress which conflict with the Constitution of the United States or the Mississippi Constitution

If the House concurs with the Senate amendments to HB 786 and Governor Phil Bryant (R) signs the bill, as expected, Mississippi will become the ninth state to widely recognize a law-abiding adult’s ability to carry a concealed pistol or revolver for personal protection without government-mandated permitting or fees. The measure would take effect upon the governor’s signature.